Barajas 1
Roberto Barajas
Chapter 1:
October 22, 2017
1. What is the fundamental problem with the types of crime routinely presented by the
media?
According to the chapter 1, “The public’s conception of crime is to a large extend,
shaped by the media, and what they present often misleads the public about crime.
(FYI pg. 3, 2006 ABC survey, 82% say their belief is based on crime reports they saw
on the news vs. only 17% who say it’s based on their personal experience).”
2. What was the most frequent type of call for police service in Long Beach, CA during
the period examined in the text? (CH1) (Table 1.2)?
The most frequent type was Parking violation 12.5%.
3. What is an institution of social control?
An organization that persuades people, through subtle and not-so subtle means, to
abide by the dominant values of society.
4. Why is criminal justice sometimes considered society’s “last line of defense”?
Barajas 2
Criminal justice is sometimes considered society’s “last line of defense” because they
first try to persuade people to abide by a limited range of social values.
5. What three agencies make up the criminal justice system?
The police, the courts, and corrections.
6. What is a jurisdiction?
A politically defined geographical area.
7. What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A misdemeanor is a less serious crime and a felony is a serious offense.
